tHe made travel to international destinations more accessible in 2025 for Indian passport holders. In the latest Henry Passport Index 2025, Indian passports rose to secure 85th place, allowing owners to access 57 countries. ,Make your glovetrot more convenient than ever. There are many countries that allow visa applications to be applied in complexity and mandatory paperwork to be completed upon arrival.
This guide explores a list of countries that offer visas on arrival for Indians, clarify the process, and distinguishes visas on arrival from a visa-free trip.
According to the Passport Index, here is a list of 45 countries that offer visas on arrival for Indians as of February 1, 2025.
Getting a visa on arrival is a simple process, but it may vary slightly from country to country.
This is a simplified, step-by-step guide to the process of obtaining a visa upon arrival of an Indian.
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Complete Arrival Card:
Most countries require travelers to fill in the arrival card that is usually offered at flights or airports. This card contains mandatory details such as your name, passport number, purpose of the visit, and length of stay.
Documentation preparation:
Make sure you have all the necessary documentation at hand. This includes a valid passport (validity for at least six months from the intended departure date), proof of sufficient funds, a return or subsequent ticket, and sometimes a passport-sized photo.
Arrival to destination:
Once you arrive at your destination airport, proceed to your visa at the arrival counter. These counters are usually located at the airport's immigration department.
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Visa application:
Please fill out the visa application provided at the counter. You may also need to provide support documents such as hotel bookings and proof of funds.
Payment of visa fees:
Pay the applicable visa fee. This may vary depending on your country and duration of your stay. Prices are usually paid in local currency or sometimes in US dollars.
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Visa issued:
Once your application and payment have been processed, immigration authorities will issue a visa on the spot. Before leaving the counter, make sure all the details on the visa sticker are accurate.
Duration of stay:
Please note the maximum length of stay allowed on your visa. Overstaying a visa can result in fines and other legal consequences.
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Using a visa on arrival makes you ready to explore the hassle-free destination. Make the most of your trip and don't forget to comply with local laws and regulations.
The difference between a visa on arrival and a visa-free version
Both visas on arrival and visa-free travel for Indians offer travel convenience without a pre-approved visa, but on a significant aspect.
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A visa on arrival means a visa without a visa upon arrival. This means you can obtain a visa when you arrive at your destination airport or border checkpoint. A visa-free trip for Indians means that Indian passport holders can enter the country without a visa for a specified period of time. You will need to fill out the application form, provide the necessary documents, and in many cases you will need to pay a visa fee. Your stay is usually limited and varies from day to month, from country to country. Overstaying your visa on arrival can result in fines and other penalties. No advance application, fee payment or documents are required. The length of stay permitted will often vary from country to country and are usually determined by bilateral agreements. Again, excessive stays can lead to fines and deportation. A valid passport must be met and entry requirements must be met. A valid passport is still required, along with other entry requirements, such as proof of funds and return flight tickets.
Essentially, both options make travel easier, but visa-free entry is often easier as it does not require additional documents or fees. However, details may vary by country, so it is essential to research and confirm the requirements before travelling.
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FAQ
1. Is the visa on arrival the same as a tourist visa?
No, the visa on arrival differs from a tourist visa in some respects. For tourist visas, you must apply in advance through the embassy, but the visa upon arrival will be obtained directly at the airport at your destination or upon arrival. The process of applying for a tourist visa can be complicated and long, but getting a visa on arrival is generally simpler and faster.
Tourist visas often have a given validity and duration, but visas on arrival usually give you a shorter stay, usually for days to months. Finally, tourist visas are usually for tourists, but visas on arrival may be useful for other purposes, such as business or transportation, depending on your destination policy.
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2. Will visas for the Arrival Policy be subject to change?
Yes, visas on arrival may change over time due to international agreements and changes to the country's immigration regulations. We recommend checking the latest requirements before you travel.
3. Can I extend my visa stay on arrival?
In some cases, you may be able to extend your stay by visiting the local immigration office in the country you are in. However, this is subject to specific rules in each country.
4.Apart from the visa fees, is there an additional visa fee upon arrival?
In addition to standard visa fees, some countries may charge additional fees or charges upon arrival. These fees may include tourist tax, admission fees, or other charges specific to the country you are visiting. Preparing for these additional costs is essential, and one way to do this is to carry around with your local currency. Please inquire about potential additional charges or charges upon arrival at your destination and plan a currency exchange accordingly to ensure a smooth entry process.
